Rafael Nadal Makes Comeback In Doubles Win At VTR Open in Chile (PICTURES)

The Huffington Post UK

Rafael Nadal made a winning return to action after eight months out through injury and illness when he partnered Juan Monaco to a straight sets doubles victory in the opening round of the VTR Open in Chile.

Nadal, whose last singles match was his shock second-round defeat to Lukas Rosol at Wimbledon in June, was forced to abort his return from a knee injury in December after being struck down by a stomach virus - an illness which ruled him out of last month's Australian Open.

Nadal thanks the Chilean crowd for their support

The former world number one was back on court in Vina del Mar today, though, as he and Argentine Monaco record an impressive 6-3 6-2 victory over second seeds Frantisek Cermak and Lukas Dlouhy in a match that lasted just over an hour.

The 26-year-old 11-time major winner, who has not contested an ATP tournament in South America since 2005, is scheduled to make his singles comeback against Argentinian Federico Delbonis tomorrow.

The Spaniard is the tournament's top seed and received a first-round bye.